Rent rise puts future of SEN play group in doubt

Beth said the group have been 'beyond helpful' supporting her son Fernee

Parents are worried about the future of free play sessions for children with special educational needs (SEN), being run for families in a district.

The Traquinas Hub which runs sessions has been renting space from The Charles Burrell Centre (CBC) in Thetford, South Norfolk.

The CBC, which is itself a charity, is increasing the rent from £750 to £1,140.

Increases for all tenants were essential to help it balance its books, the business and community support hub said.

Charlotte said the group has been an invaluable support to her and her son Elijah

The sessions have had a big impact on families with SEN children.

Charlotte said her son Elijah's complex medical needs meant most groups were not suitable for them.

"We need this for the kids that don't access other places easily," she said.

"It can be very lonely, but having a place like this, there are others in the same situation that you can talk with."

Beth brings her little boy Fernee, who is two years old.

"This the first place I've been for SEN children and they have just been beyond helpful.

"Before we came to this group he wouldn't socialise. He wouldn't play or interact - just be glued to me.

"Now as soon as we walk in he is happy to just run in and he's not shy anymore."

The Charles Burrell Centre is based in a former school building

Carla Ferreira runs Traquinas Childcare, which has two nurseries in Thetford, as well as a base at the CBC where they deliver free SEN sessions and paid-for holiday clubs.

She started the SEN group three years ago after her own experience with her daughter, who has a rare genetic condition.

"I know the struggle of these parents, they have to fight for everything,". Mrs Ferreira said.

"I just wanted to do something that they don't have to fight for.

"Why can't a non-profit community building [The CBC] embrace what we are doing here?"

Last October they were told by the CBC that their new rent would be increased by more than 50% to £1,140 per month.

Mrs Ferreira said they could not afford to pay the increased rent and would struggle to find suitable alternative premises, leaving the future of the SEN sessions in doubt.

'Remain sustainable'

Nicola Welham is the manager of the Charles Burrell Centre.

She said like all organisations, core costs like gas and electric had "risen sharply".

"It does mean we have to increase our rents just to enable the centre to remain sustainable," she added.

"If we fail to respond to those rising costs, then we risk the future of the centre as a whole and that would put all of our 60 tenants at risk.

"Traquinas are an excellent childcare provider in our local community.

"We want to support businesses like them, but we also have to be fair to all of our tenants so we charge them all a reasonable rent that reflects the costs incurred."